Marcia Smith
Wauconda,Il
Summary
Business professional with over 20 years of leadership experience focused on project management and problem-solving as well as mentoring staff and creating a positive work environment. As an effective leader skilled in organization, my goal is to be an integral part of bringing everything and everyone to the next level.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Small Business Owner
Ultimate Car Wash
01.2014 - Current
- Develop strategic partnerships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms to control costs and improve product offerings, cutting COGS 30% in just the first year.
- Established loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
- Created budgets to optimize resources, track expenses, and ensure profitability.
- Optimized operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving technologies.
- Manage all financial date through QuickBooks
- Order supplies
- Negotiate repair work
- This business is currently listed for sale
Small Business Owner
Smokes & Such
10.2010 - Current
- Increased revenue by implementing effective marketing strategies and establishing strong customer relationships.
- Expanded client base through targeted networking initiatives, resulting in increased sales opportunities.
- Enhanced company reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service quality to customers, creating loyal customers in a competitive market
- Evaluate competitor offerings to identify gaps in the market for unique selling propositions that attracted new clients.
- Maintain compliance with industry regulations through regular updates of policies or procedures as needed.
- Research trends to stay current and develop competitive pricing points.
- Create and implement store events to increase our visibility with consumers
- Manage daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
- Develop strategic partnerships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms to control costs and improve product offerings.
- Implement inventory management practices to minimize low inventory and to reduce overhead costs.
- Manage four retail locations with attention to the specific needs of inventory, customer base, and staff of each location and the company as a whole
- Identify areas in need of change as related to personnel, protocol, inventory, and sales that may impede success of the business
- Maintain accounting and employee records
- File all sales tax, withholding taxes, quarterly wage reports, and payroll
- Introduced technology solutions for improved communication among team members leading to better collaboration on projects.
- Hire, train, and supervise staff to maintain high levels of productivity and customer satisfaction.
- Foster a positive work environment that motivated employees towards achieving their potential while contributing significantly towards overall company success.
- Collaborate with management on the day to day operations and long term projects
- Utilize different leadership styles to elevate their skills and create a strong team mentality among managers
- Provide both administrative and personnel level support to all employees to create strong moral and good retention
- Develop protocols for best practices in projects and tasks
- Create policies for clear expectations and a safe work environment
- Mentor struggling employees to help them grow in their strengths and abilities and foster their development as members of the workforce
- Develop competent employees to reach their potential and contribute to the growth of the company and work to their potential
- Manage weekly leadership meetings and discussions for developing different markets, reaching different and more customers, creating a engaging shopping experience
- Maintain two floor shifts a week to stay in touch with day to day ops and customers
Consultant
Ice House Gallery
05.2017 - 04.2020
- Mentored and developed a young entrepreneur to establish a multi-faceted art and event space in Evanston
- Supported her growth in business management and development
- Collaborated on layout and design of the space, marketing campaigns for the studio space, advertising and news connections, connecting to the greater Evanston art community
- Collaborated on website development
- Developmental lead on creating course and camp programs for both youth and adults, including finding teachers and supplies
- Curating evening events in storytelling, poetry, film, and music.
- Aligned closely with business owners and employees to gather information and gain operational insight.
- Implemented practices and procedures to reduce expenditures and increase savings.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
Print Shop Manager and Sales Person
Fitness Wear, Inc
01.2000 - 01.2010
- Gained new customers in current market
- Developed marketing campaigns to diversify customer base
- Assisted customers from from point of order to point of delivery in all aspects of pricing, artwork, design, and product selection
- Maintained long term clients to a high level of satisfaction
- Managed day to day shop operations, including daily job schedule by securing artwork, screens, and product, verifying orders, supervising the work to ensure accuracy and quality
- Scheduled employees
- Ordered materials and supplies
- Managed trade show participation
- Initiated website development
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing efficient print production workflows and quality control measures.
- Reduced turnaround times with meticulous project management and clear communication between team members and clients.
- Managed inventory of supplies, ensuring timely ordering to avoid any delays in production or customer deliveries.
- Trained new employees on proper use of equipment, safety procedures, and company policies, while fostering a safe and productive work environment.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors
- Maintained accurate records of job orders, invoices, payments, and other essential documents to ensure smooth business operations.
- Addressed any client issues or concerns promptly to maintain positive relationships and repeat business opportunities.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules for all print shop equipment to minimize downtime due to malfunctions or repairs.
- Developed marketing strategies aimed at attracting new customers while retaining current clientele.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, ILMaster of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
National Louis University
Evanston, ILSkills
- Business Management and Development
- Staffing
- Small Business Operations
- Creative Problem Solving
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Employee Development
- New Business Launch
- Planning and Execution
- Department Oversight
- Project Management
Other Interests
I enjoy travelling, and my goal is to reach all 7 continents. Guess how many I have already visited?
I believe in a healthy mind-body-spirit triangle approach to life.
Timeline
Consultant
Ice House Gallery
05.2017 - 04.2020
Small Business Owner
Ultimate Car Wash
01.2014 - Current
Small Business Owner
Smokes & Such
10.2010 - Current
Print Shop Manager and Sales Person
Fitness Wear, Inc
01.2000 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - English
Northern Illinois University
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
National Louis University
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